Chris Holman welcomes back Scott Weaver, President, and Co-Owner of Douglas J Companies, Okemos, East Lansing, across Michigan, Tennessee, and Nebraska.

In their conversation, Chris looked to find out several things from Scott.

1. What has allowed the company to keep growing and changing while holding on to that family-business culture?
    
2. We’re about a year past moving on from the long-term Aveda connection; was the transition smooth, and what might businesses learn from your company’s experience?
    
3. Douglas J now has salons, a MedSpa, education, and product distribution as parts of the business. How do those different pieces work together, and where do you see the biggest opportunities for growth? 
    
4. Finding and developing good people is a major challenge for many businesses. How important is your education model to building the next generation of professionals, and what are you hearing from young people entering the beauty and wellness industry? 
    
5. Looking ahead, what do you think the beauty and wellness customer will expect from a company like Douglas J over the next few years, and what are you doing now to be ready for that?
   
   

Douglas J has grown from its Michigan roots into a multi-state business with salons, education, wellness services, and product distribution. The company is also continuing to evolve its education model and product strategy.

Founded in 1967 by Doug Weaver, Douglas J Salon eventually grew to launch their first spa in the 70’s, and into the institute education model in 1986. In 1993, Douglas J partnered with Aveda to launch their education program. Today, the company is run by President Scott Weaver and Vice President TJ Weaver, Doug’s two sons.